Understanding how sleep affects brain health in Alzheimer's disease

Sleep-dependent synaptic homeostasis in Alzheimer's disease

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11078846

This study is looking at how sleep quality affects memory and thinking in people with early Alzheimer's disease, and it hopes to find ways to improve sleep that could help slow down cognitive decline.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11078846 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between sleep quality and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). It aims to understand how disruptions in sleep may contribute to the progression of AD and explores the potential for sleep-based therapies to improve cognitive function. By examining the molecular mechanisms behind sleep's restorative effects on synapses, the study seeks to identify critical windows for intervention that could delay or halt cognitive decline in patients with early-stage AD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or those at risk due to age-related cognitive decline.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without sleep-related issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve sleep quality and, in turn, cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of sleep in cognitive health, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.